Beginning Bird Walk, Indian Ford Meadow Preserve

Hikers enjoy an early winter day at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo: Jay Mather.
Hikers enjoy an early winter day at Whychus Canyon Preserve. Photo: Jay Mather.
This outing is full.
To add your name to the wait list, click the yellow "Join wait list" button above.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Jan Rising for a beginner's bird walk at picturesque Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. Look and listen for early spring songbirds as you saunter in the sage flats and journey through the juniper and pine forest of the Land Trust's flagship Preserve. Learn the basics of birding, including identifying birds by size, shape, color, behavior, and habitat. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is an easy 1 mile walk along the Preserve trail and through a grassy meadow.

    Route: This hike will start at the Indian Ford Meadow Preserve kiosk and follow gravel and dirt trails into a grassy meadow. Terrain will be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: There is very little elevation gain/loss on this hike.

  • What to Bring

    Binoculars (if you have them), snacks, water, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Indian Ford Meadow was donated to the Deschutes Land Trust in 1996 by a local landowner to protect its dramatic scenic views and important wildlife habitat. Bisected by Indian Ford Creek, this picturesque 63 acre meadow near Sisters contains a unique diversity of ecosystems ranging from wetlands to pine forest. The Preserve also serves as a migratory corridor for mule deer and a breeding ground for migratory songbirds.